The widow of F1 star Jochen Rindt receives his champion's trophy

No year was darker for Formula One than 1970. Three drivers lost their lives: Bruce McLaren at Goodwood, Piers Courage in the Dutch Grand Prix and Jochen Rindt in practice at Monza. Rindt's death was a terrible blow. Not only was he leading the world championship, but his wife Nina later revealed that he was on the brink of quitting the sport after the death of his close friend Courage.

The Austrian had 45 points, 20 clear of his nearest rival, when the 1970 championship moved to Monza for the Italian Grand Prix. In qualifying Rindt's Lotus suddenly swerved left under braking for the Parabolica corner and the nose of the car went under the barriers. Rindt had his throat cut and died instantly. It was left to reigning champion and close friend Jackie Stewart to tell Nina what had happened.

Emerson Fittipaldi's win at the US Grand Prix meant that Rindt's points total could not be overhauled and he became the sport's only posthumous world champion. There was no official trophy but in November, at the Savoy Hotel in London, Nina Rindt was presented with the Champion Challenge Trophy that was always given to the champion driver. The presentation, made by Jackie Stewart, remains one of motor racing's most poignant moments.